Assessing Solar-Biomass System For Rural Electrification In India Using The Integrated Multi-Objective Optimization And TOPSIS

Abstract

Rural electrification remains a priority in India where distributed renewable solutions can deliver reliable low-cost electricity to off-grid communities. Hybrid solar–biomass systems combine solar PV with locally available biomass to increase reliability and reduce levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and emissions. This paper presents an integrated methodology combining multi-objective optimization (using a Pareto-based evolutionary algorithm) and a TOPSIS-based decision ranking to assess optimal system configurations for a representative Indian village. Objectives considered include minimizing LCOE and total net present cost (NPC), minimizing emissions, and maximizing reliability (measured by Loss of Power Supply Probability, LPSP) and renewable fraction. A case study demonstrates the method and shows how TOPSIS helps select a best-compromise solution from the Pareto front for practical deployment. The results confirm that solar–biomass hybrids can significantly improve supply reliability while achieving competitive LCOE compared to diesel or standalone options.